Did everyone notice? The library yard has been mowed. A big shout out to our yard crew from That Guy’s Lawn for spending all of a hot Monday afternoon getting it cleaned up.

Why did it take so long? First the bluebonnets had to bloom and you all enjoyed those. Next the bluebonnets had to go to seed and with the abundance of rain that process took longer. Then we had to wait for that grass to dry out enough to mow (those who mow tall grass know the challenge.) Anyways, it is mowed and will continue to be maintained. Next spring when the bluebonnets arrive we will start the process again.

Onto summer in the library. We have hosted our first two summer reading events. Stop in the library and see the “Books Color Our World” sign project leading into the children’s area which was attended by an amazing and astounding 63 children and their grown-ups. Week two brought cardboard art where participants were given a cardboard shape to decorate however they chose. What do either of those have to do with reading? Hand-eye coordination on the letters help the brain gear up to read words on a page and then turn those pages. Cardboard art engages the thinking and creative portion of our beings and helps the imagination used when visualizing what is being read. We still have more events to host. The children are also getting reading challenges for the week to promote reading and other skills.

Summer Reading continues on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. until July 9 focusing on children K-6th grade.

We have also gotten to be a part of summer school at the primary and intermediate campuses of Mineola ISD. There we bring an activity and an opportunity to borrow a book for a week. The books are kept in the classroom and can be shared with other classmates when completed.

We said goodbye to two long-time employees on Friday, May 30. Hazel and Dallana have gone on to other things, and while we miss them we know they will be amazing. We will be welcoming new faces to the library staff soon.

Remember, the Mineola Memorial Library is a 501(c)3, non-profit. We are neither a city nor county department and receive no funding from either. Your donations to the Mineola Memorial Library are welcome and may be tax-deductible.